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Full Time Nasa Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARES is the prime contractor for the Wallops Range Contract supporting NASA Wallops Flight Facility ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Science, ora ...

Flight Controller/Instructor

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $250K/yr

... Full-time # of Hires Needed 50 Education Bachelor's Degree Travel Up to 25% Security Clearance ... Cimarron is actively recruiting experienced professionals from NASA and NASA contractor backgrounds ...

Safety and Health Engineer II

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

... and NASA Safety Policies, and Procedures. As a full-time on-site employee, you will gather data ... Familiarity with industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, health physics, and fire/life ...

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Full Time Nasa Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do full time nasa physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time nasa physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do physicists make at NASA?

Physicists at NASA, including full-time scientists, typically earn salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and seniority. Federal government pay scales, such as the General Schedule (GS), often determine salaries, with higher grades and years of service leading to increased pay. Many NASA physicists also receive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

What does a full-time NASA physicist do?

A full-time NASA physicist conducts research and develops theories to better understand physical phenomena that are relevant to space exploration, aeronautics, and planetary science. Their work includes designing and analyzing experiments, interpreting data from missions, and collaborating with engineers and other scientists to solve complex problems. Physicists at NASA may specialize in fields like astrophysics, materials science, or plasma physics, and often contribute to projects ranging from spacecraft design to studying the universe's fundamental laws. They play a critical role in advancing NASA’s scientific objectives and supporting missions to explore space and improve life on Earth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time NASA Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time NASA Physicist, you need an advanced degree in physics or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a solid foundation in mathematics and scientific research. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), simulation software, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required, along with security clearance for certain projects. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex, multidisciplinary missions. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving scientific discovery, ensuring mission success, and advancing NASA's research objectives.

What is the difference between Full Time Nasa Physicist vs Full Time Aerospace Engineer?

AspectFull Time Nasa PhysicistFull Time Aerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredEngineering degree, often aerospace or mechanical
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, mission control, data analysisDesign, testing, manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft
Industry UsageResearch institutions, NASA projectsAerospace companies, government agencies

Full Time NASA Physicists focus on research, data analysis, and theoretical work related to space phenomena, often requiring advanced physics degrees. In contrast, Full Time Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft, emphasizing engineering principles and practical application. Both roles are integral to space exploration but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a full-time NASA physicist within multidisciplinary teams?

As a full-time NASA physicist, you can expect to collaborate extensively with engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and other specialists on projects ranging from spacecraft design to data analysis from missions. These collaborations often take place in both large, cross-functional teams for major missions and in smaller, focused groups for specific research initiatives. Regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and interdisciplinary workshops are common, fostering innovation and integrating diverse expertise to achieve mission objectives. This teamwork not only broadens your scientific perspective but also provides valuable networking and learning opportunities in a dynamic research environment.

Does NASA accept physicists?

NASA hires physicists for various roles related to space science, research, and engineering. Candidates typically need a strong background in physics, relevant education such as a master's or doctorate, and experience with scientific tools and research methods. Physicists at NASA often work in research labs, mission planning, or data analysis environments.

How many hours do NASA scientists work?

NASA scientists, including physicists, typically work standard full-time hours of around 40 hours per week, often with additional hours during project deadlines or mission phases. Their schedules may vary depending on project demands, and some roles require flexibility or on-call availability for specific experiments or missions.

Does NASA hire biochemists?

NASA primarily hires scientists and engineers in fields related to space exploration, such as physics, astronomy, and engineering. While biochemists are not common roles, NASA may employ biochemists in specialized research areas like astrobiology or life sciences, often requiring relevant advanced degrees and laboratory skills. Opportunities for biochemists at NASA are limited and typically involve interdisciplinary research projects.
More about Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Nasa Physicist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Full Time Nasa Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Junior Mechanical Engineer (NASA Sounding Rocket Program)

Junior Mechanical Engineer (NASA Sounding Rocket Program)

Peraton

Wallops Island, VA

$51K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 230 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

NASA's Sounding Rocket Operations Contract (NSROC) is a sub-orbital space flight program located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), a part of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). NSROC provides suborbital launch vehicles, payload development and field operations support to NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The program enables the collection of Earth, Heliophysics and Astrophysics science.

The Mechanical Engineer will be a team member using principles of mechanical engineering; develop, design, analyze, test, and document sounding rocket payload systems, sub-systems, and GSE systems in support of the NASA Sounding Rocket Operations Contract (NSROC).

Responsibilities of the position:

  • Research, develop, design, and analyze sounding rocket mechanical structures, components, and equipment applying principles and techniques of mechanical engineering to fulfill mission requirements. 
  • Fulfill mission duties and requirements with teams of fellow engineers from Electrical, GNC, Flight Performance, LV Engineers under direction System Engineers and Mission Managers. 
  • Work with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation for design and analysis efforts. 
  • Manage Mass Properties and Gravimetrics of concepts, designs, and actual measurements of flight hardware. 
  • Create Design and Manufacturing Documentation with SolidWorks
  • Submit documentation to Production and provide oversight of fabrication in NSROC Machine Shop and provide assembly drawings and procedures to Mechanical Technicians staff. 
  • Direct and coordinate activities involved in assembly, operation, problem resolution, and repair of sounding rocket mechanical structures and systems; and create required processes and procedures. 
  • Coordinate and participate in environmental testing of sounding rocket components, subassemblies, and full payloads. To include generating test plans and loads, oversight and setup of testing, performing tests, validation of new designs, and interpreting results.
  • Create documentation for design and testing, and present to a panel of peers and customers for review. 
  • Serve as lead mechanical engineer for sounding rocket missions and other program or project efforts.
  • Brief customers on technical development projects and negotiate design modification if needed. May be responsible for cost and schedule requirements. 
  • Provide support for field operations when needed, including payload, ground, and launcher systems support 
  • Balance workload of numerous simultaneous projects & missions at different levels of development, (design, fabrication, testing, etc) 
  • Perform Mechanical engineering support assignments such as material management and procurement, peer review, and development projects 
  • Management of mechanical engineering assignments, and the development of new products and engineering specifications for applicable projects. 
  • Travel may occasionally be 2-4 weeks per year.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physics. (Mechanical or Aerospace engineering preferred)
  • Zero to two years of experience.
  • Working knowledge of SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation or similar design and analysis tools. 
  • Must be a US Citizen and ability to obtain a NASA PIV badge
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$51,000 - $82,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

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At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017